African Design Magazine December 2015 - Page 36

ARCHITECTURE U
I
n the first phase, a long-stretched structure was built along the Pischeldorfer
street, which can be reached via an access balcony with a unique irregular zig-zag
geometric facade that integrates hundreds of photovoltaic elements. The 50-75m2
sized subsidized apartments feature up to 15m2 large balconies oriented to the
courtyard. Part of the energy concept of the virtually self-sufficient project is the
geothermal brine reservoir that stores excess solar energy from the photovoltaic
system during sunny months.
Solar geometry
Photovoltaic systems have been neglected and could often still be found hidden
on the roof not too long ago, before becoming an integral part of architecture. The solar
design for Glanhof 1 developed by Architects Collective integrates the photovoltaic panels
into the glass facade along the street making it an energy-efficient, and at the same time,
resource-saving alternative to conventional façade elements. They fulfill with their elegant
appearance, the same functions, but create an additional benefit by making the building
virtually energy autonomous.
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